The field of administration of justice prepares individuals for careers in law enforcement, corrections, private security and community service areas. Persons employed in the field provide both public and private security services
in a variety of environments: private businesses, residential complexes, government
agencies, as well as community police departments and correctional facilities.

Employment Outlook

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) collects data about the state’s
workforce. These data include information about the number of people employed in the
field, job outlook, and wage information. The California EDD predicts for the period
2008-2018 the number of openings for probation officers and correctional treatment
specialists to increase by over 7% and police and sheriff's patrol officers to increase
by approximately 4%. In addition to new positions, there will be many replacement
positions due to upcoming retirements. For more detailed information about positions
in the law enforcement field, check the California Occupational Guide for the occupations
listed below: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/Search.aspx.

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success

Employers report a growing need for a workforce of experienced private security and
police and correctional officers. Individuals interested in private security careers
should be physically and emotionally fit, be able to use professional judgment, have
good written and verbal communications skills, and enjoy working with the public.
Those desiring careers in police or correctional fields should have completed extensive
academic and specialized practical training in criminal law, sociology/community studies,
search/seizure, powers of arrest, firearms, self-defense and public safety. Police
and correctional employment requires individuals to be physically and emotionally
fit and to possess excellent analytical skills. They must be able to pass rigorous
state examinations and thorough background checks.

General Info About the Program

De Anza College offers certificate and degree programs to prepare individuals for
employment in the administration of justice field. These programs provide training
in the following areas: private security, corrections/probations, and law enforcement. The program offerings also provide excellent professional development opportunities
for individuals currently employed in the field.